There was no denying it.
Ash and Pikachu were strong.
If the two of them charged forward shouting about bonds and miracles, they might truly create a comeback and even defeat Milotic.
The last time they fought, Ash and Pikachu had forced a mutual knockout against Aiden's Milotic.
So this time—
Aiden would not allow even the slightest chance for a reversal.
Otherwise, his reward—Shiny Black Rayquaza—might slip away.
Without hesitation, he recalled Milotic.
Then he reached up and removed the Master Ball hanging from his neck.
Ash's pupils shrank instantly.
He knew that motion far too well.
Whenever Aiden removed that Master Ball—
A Legendary was coming.
And not just any Legendary.
At minimum, one capable of shaking the world.
Latios, Latias, even Regirock—none of them required a Master Ball.
Which meant—
This was something far greater.
Excitement and helplessness clashed within Ash's heart.
Was Aiden overestimating him?
Was he really about to fight a top-tier Legendary with Pikachu?
The Master Ball opened with a sharp snap.
A colossal emerald dragon burst into the sky.
"ROOOOAR!"
The heavens trembled.
Overwhelming draconic pressure descended upon the stadium like a divine decree. For a moment, it felt as though the entire arena would be swallowed by its presence.
Rayquaza.
Now everyone understood what a true Legendary trainer looked like.
Even if Tobias of the Sinnoh Lily of the Valley Conference appeared here with his Darkrai and Latios—
Before Rayquaza, it would mean nothing.
Tobias had seemed invincible in tournaments.
But against a true apex Legendary—
Even regional Champions would struggle.
"This… this is Hoenn's strongest Legendary—Rayquaza?!"
"That pressure… it's terrifying!"
"So that's why Champion Wallace said Aiden resolved Hoenn's great crisis…"
"Do you think Wallace could defeat Rayquaza?"
"…Probably not."
"Does that mean Hoenn's Elite Four and Champion positions might change soon?"
Sidney finally understood why he had instinctively shown restraint around Aiden.
As Hoenn's Dark-type Elite Four member, he was not a gentle man.
Yet before Aiden—
He felt both respect and unease.
The commentator silently wiped sweat from his brow.
Thankfully, he had always praised Aiden during broadcasts.
High above, Rayquaza's body coiled into the clouds, its enormous form blotting out the sky.
With this dragon alone—
Who would dare provoke Aiden?
…
On the battlefield—
Ash swallowed.
Even he, fearless as he was, felt cold sweat trickle down his back.
Pikachu trembled slightly.
Yet it forced itself upright, sparks crackling across its cheeks.
"Pikachu! Even if it's Rayquaza—don't be afraid! Thunderbolt!"
Electricity erupted.
A bolt of lightning shot upward.
But against Rayquaza's colossal form—
It looked like a strand of hair.
The attack struck.
Rayquaza didn't even flinch.
"Then it's our turn," Aiden said calmly. "Rayquaza—use your weakest Dragon Ascent."
Pikachu: "You're using Dragon Ascent on me?!"
The sky darkened instantly.
Visible storms spiraled above Ever Grande City.
Yet not a single building, spectator, or Pokémon outside the field was harmed.
The storm condensed—
Then descended upon the battlefield.
Pikachu cried out.
Ash, panicked, ran straight into the storm.
"Rayquaza—stop."
At Aiden's command, the winds ceased.
When the storm cleared—
Pikachu lay unconscious.
But uninjured.
Rayquaza had only drained its stamina.
Ash was unharmed as well.
Ding! Rayquaza defeated Pikachu. Rayquaza is at max level. No experience gained.
Silence fell.
Then the referee raised both flags.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! Rayquaza wins! As all six of Ash's Pokémon have lost the ability to battle—"
"The winner of the Hoenn Ever Grande Conference is—Aiden Flint!"
The giant screen magnified Aiden's image.
WIN.
Petals and ribbons exploded into the sky, cascading across the stadium.
The crowd roared.
A new Ever Grande Conference Champion—
Had been crowned.
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